Pattern Description:
Retro jacket with Kimono Sleeves Pattern Sizing:
I made pattern size 16 and it fit my size 12 retail body. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, though I took in the top sleeve seam, brought up the armscye, made the neckline more "bateau", added vents with buttons to the sleeves, and put on patch pockets instead of flaps. Were the instructions easy to follow?
Didn't really use them. I was following Susan Khalje's Threads article to make a quilted "Chanel" jacket, so I machine quilted the silk georgette lining to the wool tweed fashion fabric, machined the main seams and finished the rest by hand. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It's a very cute design. Finishing the sleeves under the armpit was difficult, but I liked the way the whole thing looked. Fabric Used:
Chanel wool tweed, double silk georgette lining, trim with lurex, Chanel buttons from a blouse I got on eBay. Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Made the neck more bateau shape, added vents, buttons and buttonholes to the sleeves, replaced the flaps with patch pockets, took in the top sleeve seams. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I wouldn't make another jacket using this method of quilting the lining to the fabric. It's way too time consuming! But it was an interesting project. The jacket has a cute shape, though, so I'd recommend it to people. Conclusion:
I was glad I had the experience of making a Chanel Jacket this way, but it took too long to repeat the experience.
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Beautiful work on your Chanel jacket! I'm sure it took a lot of time and attention to detail to do, but the results are really lovely and couture. And the fabric...swoon! Where did you get the Chanel tweed, are the materials and notions all from eBay?
2/9/13 1:12 PM
Very pretty, I love your mix of colors. Totally gorgeous! I would love to see a shot of you wearing it.
2/9/13 1:53 PM
Stunning! All the details, the fabric took my breath away, the lining, etc. Just Stunning!!!
2/9/13 3:12 PM
It really looks the part! I like the way the tweed pattern ends up being diagonal on the sleeves (due to the kimono sleeves).
2/9/13 6:04 PM
Thanks ladies! I'll have to get my staff photographer/hubby to take a pic with me in it. I found the Chanel tweed at Elliottbermantextiles.com, and the lining on Emma One Sock. The chain is from beadaholic.com. I put together a pinterest page called "Make Your Own Chanel Jacket" with links to sites I used as research. Also posted info on this and another jacket on Craftsy.com under "tvjulie" since I was inspired to do the jackets after I took Susan Khalje's Couture Dress class on Craftsy.com. I HIGHLY recommend that class!
2/9/13 6:25 PM
I got the trim at a shop in Paris, and while I was there met a male dressmaker who said he worked at Chanel. He and the saleswoman were gossiping in French about how much haute couture Chanel suits cost, and the start at 40,000 Euros, which is $65,000! So I didn't feel so bad having spent 100 hours on this jacket. I've seen the Chanel ready-to-wear jackets ($5,000+) at consignment shops, and they're not quilted like jackets made with this technique. So needless to say I'm pretty pleased with myself! But mostly I enjoyed the research and knowledge that came from working on this.
2/9/13 6:31 PM
Your Chanel jacket is beautiful. They are truly a labor of love! Your fabrics are lovely together. I am sure you will love wearing it.
2/10/13 11:03 AM
Wow. It's a dream of mine to accomplish a jacket like this. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful accomplishment.
5/10/13 4:41 AM